FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Part 1: Biological Data Profile
Biological Data Working Group
Federal Geographic Data Committee
and USGS Biological Resources Division
October 1999
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Department of Agriculture • Department of Commerce • Department of Defense • Department of Energy
Department of Housing and Urban Development • Department of the Interior • Department of State
Department of Transportation • Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency • Library of Congress
National Aeronautics and Space Administration • National Archives and Records Administration
Tennessee Valley Authority
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Established by Office of Management and Budget Circular A-16, the Federal Geographic Data Committee
(FGDC) promotes the coordinated development, use, sharing, and dissemination of geographic data.
The FGDC is composed of representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense,
Energy, Housing and Urban Development, the Interior, State, and Transportation; the Environmental
Protection Agency; the Federal Emergency Management Agency; the Library of Congress; the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration; the National Archives and Records Administration; and the
Tennessee Valley Authority. Additional Federal agencies participate on FGDC subcommittees and
working groups. The Department of the Interior chairs the committee.
FGDC subcommittees work on issues related to data categories coordinated under the circular.
Subcommittees establish and implement standards for data content, quality, and transfer; encourage the
exchange of information and the transfer of data; and organize the collection of geographic data to reduce
duplication of effort. Working groups are established for issues that transcend data categories.
For more information about the committee, or to be added to the committee's newsletter mailing list,
please contact:
Federal Geographic Data Committee Secretariat
c/o U.S. Geological Survey
590 National Center
Reston, Virginia 20192
Telephone: (703) 648-5514
Facsimile: (703) 648-5755
Internet (electronic mail): [email protected]
Anonymous FTP: ftp://www.fgdc.gov/pub/gdc/
World Wide Web: http://www.fgdc.gov/fgdc.html
The following is the recommended bibliographic citation for this publication:
FGDC Biological Data Working Group, and USGS Biological Resources Division. 1999. Content
Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata - Biological Data Profile, FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 Federal
Geographic Data Committee. Washington, D.C.
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Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
CONTENTS
1.1
Page
INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1.1
Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1.2
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1.3
Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1.4
Related Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.1.5
Standards Development Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.1.6
Maintenance Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.2
ELEMENTS OF THE CONTENT STANDARD FOR DIGITAL GEOSPATIAL METADATA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.3
CHANGES TO THE CONTENT STANDARD FOR DIGITAL GEOSPATIAL METADATA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
1.3.1
Conditionality Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Spatial_Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
1.3.2
Domain Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Currentness_Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Browse_Graphic_Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Logical_Consistency_Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Type_of_Source_Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Source_Currentness_Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Format_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Metadata_Standard_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
1.4
EXTENDED ELEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Description_of_Geographic_Extent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Bounding_Altitudes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Altitude_Minimum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Altitude_Maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Taxonomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Keywords/Taxon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Taxonomic_Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Taxonomic_System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Classification_System/Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Classification_System_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Classification_System_Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Identification_Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Taxonomic_Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Taxonomic_Completeness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Vouchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
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Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Repository . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
General_Taxonomic_Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Taxonomic_Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Taxon_Rank_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
Taxon_Rank_Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Applicable_Common_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Analytical_Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Analytical_Tool_Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Tool_Access_Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
Tool_Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
Tool_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31
Tool_Access_Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
Methodology_Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
Methodology_Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
Methodology_Keyword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Methodology_Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Methodology_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36
ASCII_File_Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36
Record_Delimiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
Number_Header_Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
Description_of_Header_Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38
Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38
Case_Sensitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-39
Authentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-39
Quote_Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-40
Data_Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-40
Data_Field_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41
Missing_Value_Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41
Data_Field_Width_Delimiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42
Data_Field_Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42
Beginning_Geologic_Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-43
Ending_Geologic_Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-43
Geologic_Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-44
Geologic_Time_Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-45
Geologic_Age_Estimate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46
Geologic_Age_Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47
Geologic_Age_Explanation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47
Geologic_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-48
1.5
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-49
1.6
INDEX TO EXTENDED AND MODIFIED ELEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-51
1.7
APPENDIX 1.A (INFORMATIVE) GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-53
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Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
1.1
INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL
1.1.1
Objective
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
The objective of the profile is to provide a common set of terminology and definitions for the
documentation of biological data through the creation of extended elements and a profile of the
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata.
1.1.2
Scope
This profile is intended to support the collection and processing of biological data. It is intended
to be useable by all levels of government and the private sector.
The profile was developed by defining information required by a prospective user to determine
the availability of a set of biological data; to determine the fitness of a set of biological data for an
intended use; to determine the means of accessing the set of biological data; and to successfully
transfer the set of biological data. As such, the profile establishes the names of extended data
elements and compound elements (groups of data elements) to be used for documenting
biological data, the definitions of these extended compound elements and data elements, and
information about the values to be provided for the data elements. The profile also describes any
modifications to the optionality or repeatability of non-mandatory elements and any
modifications to the domains of standard elements in the FGDC’s Content Standard for Digital
Geospatial Metadata.
The standard is not intended to reflect an implementation design. An implementation design
requires adapting the structure and form of the profile to meet application requirements. The
profile does not specify the means by which this information is organized in a computer system
or in a data transfer, nor the means by which this information is transmitted, communicated, or
presented to the user.
1.1.3
Applicability
Executive Order 12906, “Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and Access: The National
Spatial Data Infrastructure,” was signed on April 11, 1994, by President William Clinton.
Section 3, Development of a National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, paragraph (b) states:
“Standardized Documentation of Data. Beginning 9 months from the date of this order, each
agency shall document all new geospatial data it collects or produces, either directly or indirectly,
using the standard under development by the FGDC, for documenting, to the extent practicable,
geospatial data previously collected or produced, either directly or indirectly, and making that
data documentation electronically accessible to the Clearinghouse network.” This is an official
profile of the data documentation standard referenced in the executive order. It is designed to
document biological data sets, both geospatial and non-geospatial in nature.
In addition to use by the Federal Government, the FGDC invites and encourages organizations
and persons from State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector, and non-profit
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Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
organizations to use the profile to document their biological data. A major difficulty in the data
community is the lack of information that helps prospective users to determine what data exist,
the fitness of existing data for planned applications, and the conditions for accessing existing
data, and the transfer of data to a user’s system. This profile, developed with the aid of public
participation, will help to ease these problems and to develop the National Spatial Data
Infrastructure, National Information Infrastructure, and National Biological Information
Infrastructure.
1.1.4
Related Standards
The Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata was developed to identify and define the
metadata elements used to document digital geospatial data sets for many purposes. These
include metadata to: 1) preserve the meaning and value of a data set; 2) contribute to a catalog or
clearinghouse and; 3) aid in data transfer. The Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard
for Digital Geospatial Metadata was developed to identify and define the metadata elements used
to document biological data sets for the same purposes. Since biological data sets can be either
geospatial or non-geospatial in their nature, the Biological Data Profile is designed to be used to
document both geospatial and non-geospatial data sets. As a profile, all the requirements of the
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata must be met for any geospatial biological data
set. The Biological Data Profile extends the use of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial
Metadata into documenting non-geospatial data sets, when biological in nature. Because some
data elements required for documenting geospatial data sets may be of marginal use or possibly
even misleading in documenting non-geospatial data holdings, under these conditions, these
data elements may contain a phrase such as “not applicable”.
The Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS) was developed to allow the transfer of digital spatial
data sets between spatial data software. Since the SDTS is a standard for data transfer, its
primary metadata content is used to determine the fitness of a geospatial data set for the user’s
purpose. There is a close relationship between the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial
Metadata and its associated profiles with the SDTS metadata elements contained in the Data
Quality module, and in other locations inside of the SDTS transfer set. Since the Content
Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata and its profiles contain metadata used to search for
digital spatial data sets through a clearinghouse (metadata for locating, describing access, use,
and distribution), these elements may not be contained in an SDTS transfer set. Since the
Biological Data Profile is designed to accommodate the documentation of biological data sets
which are not necessarily geospatial, these particular metadata will likely never be transferred via
an SDTS transfer.
The June 8, 1994 FGDC Metadata Standard was used as the base document for the International
Organization for Standards (ISO) 15046 Part 15, Geographic information - Part 15: Metadata.
When this profile was prepared, ISO 15046-15 was a Committee Draft and subject to significant
change before final approval.
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Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
1.1.5
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Standards Development Process
The National Biological Information Initiative (NBII) is dedicated to the collaborative
development of an electronic "federation" of biological data and information sources to make
data and information on biological resources more accessible for more people. The goal of the
NBII is to provide swift user access to biological databases, information products, and analysis
tools maintained by Federal, State, and local government agencies, non-government institutions,
and private sector organizations in the United States and around the world. Thus the NBII
promotes the availability of biological information and its associated documentation on the
internet. The NBII and NSDI programs are complementary, and cooperate on common standards
and protocols, partnerships with many Federal and non-Federal groups, and support for projects
and activities that help increase access to biological and geospatial information. The FGDC
Biological Data Working Group was established to help facilitate and promote these linkages.
To provide a standardized method for documenting biological data and information, an ad hoc
working group met in November 1994 to develop a “strawman” metadata standard. The original
strawman standard was created for documenting data and information considered non-spatial,
and thus not being documented using the FGDC’s Content Standards for Digital Geospatial
Metadata. The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), the national umbrella
organization of fifty biological societies, convened a workshop of national experts in the
biological sciences to peer review and recommend modifications to the “strawman” metadata
standard. This workshop was held May 16 and 17, 1995. Participants reviewed the content of
the NBII’s strawman Metadata Standard for Non-Geospatial Data to assure completeness and
utility of the content from the biological science perspective. The AIBS review strongly endorsed
refocusing from “non-geospatial” data sets to “Biological resource” data sets, regardless of their
geospatial or non-geospatial characteristics. The resulting draft standard, the Content Standard
for NBII Metadata, allowed the use of Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata with
data elements appropriate for documenting a biological data set, regardless of whether it is
geospatial or non-geospatial in nature. The draft NBII Metadata Standard was presented three
times to the FGDC Standards Working Group. In February 1996, the Standards Working Group
supported the interim implementation of the “Content Standard for NBII Metadata”. In February
1997 the Standards Working Group approved the NBII Metadata Standard as being in Draft
Stage.
In 1998, with the revision of the FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, and
the clarification of the profile creation process, the FGDC Biological Data Working Group
supported the revision of the NBII Metadata standard into a profile of the Content Standard for
Digital Geospatial Metadata. It was released for public review in July 1998.
May 26, 1999, the FGDC Biological Data Working Group brought an issue before the FGDC
Standards Working Group related to the Biological Data Profile. In essence, the BDWG would
like to encourage standardized documentation of all types of biological data and information, in
particular by using the Biological Data Profile. To support this effort, the Biological Data Profile
must include the ability to document datasets and information products that are not explicitly
geospatial. In order to do this, the BDWG would choose not to enforce the mandatory nature of
Spatial_Domain, instead establishing this element as "mandatory-if-applicable." Under this
designation, the Spatial_Domain would continue to be mandatory if the dataset or information
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Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
product being documented is geospatial; only if the dataset or information product does not
display the characteristic of geospatial extent would the requirement for Spatial_Domain be
waived. This designation would be contradictory to the rules of profile development which say
that the conditionality of an element cannot be made less stringent than that imposed by the
Standard. The FGDC Standards Working Group agreed to this change in profile rules, with the
understanding that only non-geospatial datasets would have less stringent conditionality
requirements.
1.1.6
Maintenance Authority
The current maintenance authority for the profile is the USGS Biological Resources Division.
Questions concerning the profile should be addressed to: Biological Data Profile Questions, c/o
USGS Center for Biological Informatics, Biological Resources Division, P.O. Box 25046, DFC,
MS 302, Denver, CO 80225-0046. Copies of this publication are available from the Federal
Geographic Data Committee Secretariat, in care of the U.S. Geological Survey, 590 National
Center, Reston, Virginia 20192; telephone (703) 648-5514; facsimile (703) 648-5755; Internet
(electronic mail) [email protected]. The text also is available from anonymous File Transfer
Protocol (anonymous ftp) server www.fgdc.gov and at the FGDC web site
http://www.fgdc.gov/Metadata/Metadata.html.
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Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
1.2
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
ELEMENTS OF THE CONTENT STANDARD FOR DIGITAL GEOSPATIAL METADATA
All the standard elements of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata are available
for use in the Biological Data Profile. All the mandatory elements from the Content Standard for
Digital Geospatial Metadata must be provided in a metadata document compliant with the
CSDGM Profile for Biological Data. The only exception to this is the element Spatial_Domain
becomes mandatory if applicable in the Biological Data Profile. Under this designation, the
element Spatial_Domain would continue to be mandatory if the dataset or information product
being documented is geospatial; only if the dataset or information product does not display the
characteristic of geospatial extent would the requirement for Spatial_Domain be waived.
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1.3
CHANGES TO THE CONTENT STANDARD FOR DIGITAL GEOSPATIAL METADATA
1.3.1
Conditionality Changes
Due to the extension of the use of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata into the
use for documenting biological data sets in general, some changes to the conditionality of
standard elements are required. These changes are detailed below, using the numbering scheme
found in the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, The content includes the element
name, the change as defined in the profile, the modified production rules, and in addition, the set
of information as defined for extended elements.
1.5 Spatial_Domain
Within this profile, the element “Spatial_Domain” has been redefined as mandatory if
applicable.
Identification_Information =
Citation +
Description +
Time_Period_of_Content +
Status +
0{Spatial_Domain}1 +
Keywords +
0{Taxonomy}1 +
Access_Constraints +
Use_Constraints +
(Point_of_Contact) +
(1{Browse_Graphic}n) +
(Data_Set_Credit) +
(Security_Information) +
(Native_Data_Set_Environment) +
(1{Cross_Reference}n) +
0{Analytical_Tool}n
Conditionality_Change:
Name: Spatial_Domain
Short_Name: spdom
Type: compound
Parent: Identification_Information
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition: the geographic areal domain of the data set.
Rationale:
Many biological datasets are not in any manner related to maps, or
geospatial location. They neither contain geospatial references nor are
they collected in a geospatial location that is relevant to their use or
interpretation. Laboratory studies would be examples of nongeospatial datasets (e.g., a laboratory study of reproductive behavior in
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response to temperature change, or controlled toxicity testing on fish,
aquatic larvae, and invertebrates, or environmental enrichment data
for non-human primates). Having non-geospatial datasets returned as
products of a spatial search would be inaccurate, a misrepresentation
of the datasets, and would degrade the utility of the National Spatial
Data Infrastructure. For these reasons, the Spatial_Domain element
becomes "mandatory-if-applicable" within this profile. Under this
designation, the element Spatial_Domain would continue to be
mandatory if the dataset or information product being documented is
geospatial; only if the dataset or information product does not display
the characteristic of geospatial extent would the requirement for
Spatial_Domain be waived.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS
Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
8.6 Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form
Within this profile, the element “Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form” is defined as
mandatory.
Citation_Information =
1{Originator}n +
Publication_Date +
(Publication_Time) +
Title +
0{Edition}1 +
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form +
0{Series_Information}1 +
0{Publication_Information}1 +
0{Other_Citation_Details}1 +
(1{Online_Linkage}n) +
0{Larger_Work_Citation}1
Conditionality_Change:
Name: Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form
Short_Name: geoform
Type: text
Domain: see domain changes page 1-12
Parent: Citation_Information
Optionality: mandatory
Definition: The mode in which the geospatial data are represented.
Rationale:
With documentation of information products that are not explicitly
geospatial, searchers for information via metadata need to be able to
identify whether they are retrieving a data set or other product. By
making Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form mandatory, metadata
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creators must provide some description of the form of the data being
documented.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS
Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1.3.2
Domain Changes
Due to the extension of the use of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata into the
use for documenting biological data sets in general, some additions to domains of standard
elements are required. These changes are detailed below, using the numbering scheme found in
the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, the element name, the domain as defined
in the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, and then the additions. Because some
data elements required for documenting geospatial data sets may be of marginal use or possibly
even misleading in documenting non-geospatial data holdings, under these conditions, these
data elements may contain a phrase such as “not applicable”.
1.3.1 Currentness_Reference
Domain: “ground condition” “publication date” free text
Extended Domain: “observed”
1.10.3 Browse_Graphic_Format
Domain: domain values in the table below; free text
DOMAIN VALUE
DEFINITION
"CGM"
Computer Graphics Metafile
"EPS"
Encapsulated Postscript format
"GIF"
Graphic Interchange Format
"JPEG"
.Joint Photographic Experts Group format
"PBM"
Portable Bit Map format
"PS"
Postscript format
"TIFF"
Tagged Image File Format
"XWD"
X-Windows Dump
Extended Domain:
If a definition of the type is not contained in the table below, use a standard
mime type extension if possible, before creating a new name.
“AIF”
Audio Interchange File Format
“ASF”
Advanced Streaming Format
“AU”
Sun audio format
“AVI”
Audio Video Interleave format
“MID”
Musical Digital Interface format
“MOVIE”
SGI movie video format
“MP3"
MP3 music format
“MPEG”
Moving Picture Experts Group video format
“MPGA”
MPEG audio format
“PNG”
Portable Network Graphics format
“PPT”
Powerpoint presentation
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“QT”
“RA”
“WRL”
“WAV”
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Quicktime video format
RealAudio format
Virtual Reality Modeling Language
Microsoft audio form
2.2 Logical_Consistency_Report
Domain: free text
Extended Domain: “not applicable”
2.5.1.3 Type_of_Source_Media
Domain: “paper” “stable-base material” “microfiche” “microfilm” “audiocassette”
“chart” “filmstrip” “transparency” “videocassette” “videodisc” “videotape”
“physical model” “computer program” “disc” “cartridge tape” “magnetic tape”
“online” “CD-ROM” “electronic bulletin board” “electronic mail system” free
text
Extended Domain: “digital database file” “field notes” “photographic print”
“printed table” “visually observed or measured”
2.5.1.4.1 Source_Currentness_Reference
Domain: “ground condition” “publication date” free text
Extended Domain: “observed”
6.4.2.1.1 Format_Name
Domain: domain values from the table below; free text
Domain
Value
“ARCE”
“ARCG”
“ASCII”
“BIL”
“BIP”
“BSQ”
“CDF”
“CFF”
“COORD”
“DEM”
“DFAD”
“DGN”
“DIGEST”
“DLG”
“DTED”
“DWG”
“DX90"
“DXF”
Definition
ARC/INFO Export format
ARC/INFO Generate format
ASCII file, formatted for text attributes, declared format
Imagery, band interleaved by line
Imagery, band interleaved by pixel
Imagery, band interleaved sequential
Common Data Format
Cartographic Feature File (U.S. Forest Service)
User-created coordinate file, declared format
Digital Elevation Model format (U.S. Geological Survey)
Digital Feature Analysis Data (National Imagery and
Mapping Agency)
Microstation format (Intergraph corporation)
Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standard
Digital Line Graph (U.S. Geological Survey)
Digital Terrain Elevation Data (MIL-D-89020)
AutoCAD Drawing format
Data Exchange ‘90
AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format
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“ERDAS”
“GRASS”
“HDF”
“IGDS”
“IGES”
“MOSS”
“netCDF”
“NITF”
“RPF”
“RVC”
“RVF”
“SDTS”
“SIF”
“SLF”
“TIFF”
“TGRLN”
“VPF”
Extended Domain:
“DBF”
“DIF”
“DOC”
“EPS”
“FW”
“GIF”
“GRA”
“MDB”
“PBM”
“PLT”
“PS”
“QP”
“RPD”
“SPLUS”
“WK1"
“WKS”
“WP”
“XLS”
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
ERDAS image file (ERDAS Corporation)
Geographic Resources Analysis Support System
Hierarchical Data Format
Interactive Graphic Design System format (Intergraph
Corporation)
Initial Graphics Exchange Standard
Multiple Overlay Statistical System export file
network Common Data Format
National Imagery Transfer Format
Raster Product Format (National Imagery and Mapping
Agency)
Raster Vector Converted format (MicroImages)
Raster Vector Format (MicroImages)
Spatial Data Transfer Standard (Federal Information
Processing Standard 173)
Standard Interchange Format (DOD Project 2851)
Standard Linear format (National Imagery and Mapping
Agency)
Tagged Image File Format
Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and
Referencing (TIGER) Line format (Bureau of the Census)
Vector Product Format (National Imagery and Mapping
Agency)
dBASE data file
VisiCalc format
Microsoft Word file
Encapsulated Postscript
Framework spreadsheet or database format
Graphics Interchange Format
ARC/INFO graphic file
Microsoft Access data file
Portable Bit Map format file
ARC/INFO Plot file
Postscript
Quattro Pro data file
Rapid File
S-Plus file
LOTUS 1-2-3 file
LOTUS 1-2-3 file
WordPerfect
Microsoft Excel worksheet
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7.5 Metadata_Standard_Name
Domain: “FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata” free text
Extended Domain: “Content Standard for National Biological
Information Infrastructure Metadata” “FGDC Biological Data Profile of
the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata”
8.6 Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form
Domain: (the listed domain is partially from pp. 88-91 in Anglo-American
Committee on Cataloguing of Cartographic materials, 1982, Cartographic
materials: A manual of interpretation for AACR2: Chicago, American Library
Association): “atlas” “audio” “diagram” “document” “globe” “map” “model”
“multimedia presentation” “profile” “raster digital data” “remote-sensing
image” “section” “spreadsheet” “tabular digital data” “vector digital data”
“video” “view” free text
Extended Domain: “book chapter” “CAD data” “conference proceedings” “database”
“figure” “hologram” “journal article” “pamphlet” “table (non-digital)”
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1.4
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
EXTENDED ELEMENTS
The following are the production rules for how the extended elements fit within the hierarchical
structure of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata.
Metadata =
Identification_Information +
0{Data_Quality_Information}1 +
0{Spatial_Data_Organization_Information}1 +
0{Spatial_Reference_Information}1 +
0{Entity_and_Attribute_Information}1 +
0{Distribution_Information}1 +
Metadata_Reference_Information
Identification_Information =
Citation +
Description +
Time_Period_of_Content +
Status +
0{Spatial_Domain}1 +
Keywords +
0{Taxonomy}1 +
Access_Constraints +
Use_Constraints +
(Point_of_Contact) +
(1{Browse_Graphic}n) +
(Data_Set_Credit) +
(Security_Information) +
(Native_Data_Set_Environment) +
(1{Cross_Reference}n) +
0{Analytical_Tool}n
Spatial_Domain =
Description_of_Geographic_Extent +
Bounding_Coordinates +
(1{Data_Set_G_Polygon}n)
Bounding_Coordinates =
West_Bounding_Coordinate +
East_Bounding_Coordinate +
North_Bounding_Coordinate +
South_Bounding_Coordinate +
(Bounding_Altitudes)
Bounding_Altitudes =
Altitude_Minimum +
Altitude_Maximum +
Altitude_Distance_Units
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Taxonomy =
1{Keywords/Taxon}n +
0{Taxonomic_System}1 +
(General_Taxonomic_Coverage) +
Taxonomic_Classification
Keywords/Taxon =
Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus +
1{Taxonomic_Keywords}n
Taxonomic_System =
1{Classification_System/Authority}n +
0{Identification_Reference}n +
(1{Identifier}n) +
Taxonomic_Procedures +
0{Taxonomic_Completeness}1 +
0{Vouchers}n
Classification_System/Authority =
Classification_System_Citation +
0{Classification_System_Modifications}1
Classification_System_Citation =
Citation_Information
Identification_Reference =
Citation_Information
Identifier =
Contact_Information
Vouchers =
Specimen +
Repository
Repository =
Contact_Information
Taxonomic_Classification =
Taxon_Rank_Name +
Taxon_Rank_Value +
(1{Applicable_Common_Name}n) +
0{Taxonomic_Classification}n
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Analytical_Tool =
Analytical_Tool_Description +
Tool_Access_Information +
(Tool_Contact) +
(Tool_Citation)
Tool_Access_Information =
0{Online_Linkage}n +
Tool_Access_Instructions +
(Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System)
Tool_Contact =
Contact_Information
Tool_Citation =
Citation_Information
Lineage =
0{Methodology}n +
0{Source_Information}n +
1{Process_Step}n
Methodology =
Methodology_Type +
(1{Methodology_Identifier}n) +
Methodology_Description +
0{Methodology_Citation}n
Methodology_Identifier =
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus +
1{Methodology_Keyword}n
Methodology_Citation =
Citation_Information
Digital_Transfer_Information =
Format_Name +
([Format_Version_Number |
Format_Version_Date] +
(Format_Specification)) +
0{ASCII_File_Structure}1 +
(Format_Information_Content) +
0{File_Decompression_Technique}1 +
(Transfer_Size)
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ASCII_File_Structure =
0{Record_Delimiter}1 +
Number_Header_Lines +
(Description_of_Header_Content) +
Orientation +
Case_Sensitive +
0{Authentication}1 +
0{Quote_Character}1 +
1{Data_Field}n
Data_Field =
Data_Field_Name +
0{Missing_Value_Code}1 +
[ Data_Field_Width_Delimiter |
Data_Field_Width ]
Single_Date/Time =
[Calendar_Date +
(Time_of_Day)] |
Geologic_Age
Range_of_Dates/Times =
[Beginning_Date +
(Beginning_Time) +
Ending_Date +
(Ending_Time)] |
Beginning_Geologic_Age +
Ending_Geologic_Age
Beginning_Geologic_Age =
Geologic_Age
Ending_Geologic_Age =
Geologic_Age
Geologic_Age =
Geologic_Time_Scale +
Geologic_Age_Estimate +
0{Geologic_Age_Uncertainty}1 +
0{Geologic_Age_Explanation}1 +
(1{Geologic_Citation}n)
Geologic_Citation =
Citation_Information
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Extension_Information:
Name: Description_of_Geographic_Extent
Short_Name: descgeog
z3950 tag: 4112
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Spatial_Domain
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Short description of the geographic areal domain of the data set. Examples
include, "Manistee River watershed", "extent of 7 ½ minute quads containing
any property belonging to Yellowstone National Park", or "ponds and
reservoirs larger than 2 acres in Jefferson County, Colorado". This is especially
important when the extent of the data set is not well described by the
"Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates".
Rationale:
This description is especially important when the extent of the data set is not
well described by the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates", or in the case of data
which is not specifically geospatial, to provide a geographic setting for the item
being documented. Assuming the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" do not
adequately describe the extent of the data set, the discrepancy can be identified
and described in this data element. If the item being documented is not
specifically geospatial, the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" can define a
general polygon, such as a rectangle around a country, with this
"Description_of_Geographic_Extent" element containing a disclaimer
concerning the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" and/or further detail
concerning the geographic area of concern for the item being documented. For
example, a study of the diseases of salmon may not have a specific geographic
extent associated with it, but the salmon involved in the study were collected in
Washington and Oregon states, thus the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates"
might form a general rectangle around the states of Washington and Oregon,
but the "Description_of_Geographic_Extent" might describe the fact that the
extent within Washington and Oregon included only certain rivers within those
states.
This data element differs from the standard data element "Place_Keyword" in
that it allows a free text description of the geographic extent, rather than just a
list of words or phrases useful as an index of location names associated with the
data set.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
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Extension_Information:
Name: Bounding_Altitudes
Short_Name: boundalt
Type: compound
Child: Altitude_Minimum
Child: Altitude_Maximum
Child: Altitude_Distance_Units
Parent: Bounding_Coordinates
Optionality: optional
Definition: The limits of coverage of a data set expressed by altitude.
Rationale:
To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in association with its
horizontal extent. The term "altitude" is used instead of the common term
"elevation" to conform to the terminology in Federal Information Processing
Standards 70-1and 173.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Altitude_Minimum
Short_Name: altmin
Type: real
Domain: free real
Parent: Bounding_Altitudes
Optionality: mandatory
Definition: The minimum altitude extent of coverage.
Rationale:
To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in association with its
horizontal extent.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Altitude_Maximum
Short_Name: altmax
Type: real
Domain: free real
Parent: Bounding_Altitudes
Optionality: mandatory
Definition: The maximum elevation extent of coverage.
Rationale:
To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in association with its
horizontal extent.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
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FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomy
Short_Name: taxonomy
z3950 tag: 4001
Type: compound
Rule: Taxonomy =
1{Keywords/Taxon}n +
0{Taxonomic_System}1 +
(General_Taxonomic_Coverage) +
Taxonomic_Classification
Parent: Identification_Information
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information on the taxa (1 or more) included in the data set, including
keywords, taxonomic system and coverage information, and taxonomic
classification system.
Rationale: To provide for documentation of taxonomic information.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Keywords/Taxon
Short_Name: keywtax
Type: compound
Rule: Keywords/Taxon =
Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus +
1{Taxonomic_Keywords}n
Parent: Taxonomy
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Taxonomic ranks or common groups characterized by the data set.
Rationale:
To provide general keywords for searching, and to allow users to identify
potential data sets addressing taxa of interest.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
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FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus
Short_Name: taxonkt
Type: text
Domain: “None” free text
Parent: Keywords/Taxon
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Reference to a formally registered thesaurus or similar authoritative source of
taxonomic keywords.
Rationale: To provide for documentation of taxonomic information.
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Keywords
Short_Name: taxonkey
z3950 tag: 4002
Type: text
Domain:
"collection" "multiple species" "single species" "amphibians" "animals"
"bacteria" "fungi" "invertebrates" "lichens" "mammals" "mosses" "plants"
"protists" "reptiles" "vegetation" "vertebrates" "viruses" free text
Parent: Keywords/Taxon
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Common-use words or phrases describing the taxonomy covered by the data
set.
Rationale:
To provide general keywords for searching, and to allow users to identify
potential data sets addressing taxa of interest.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
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Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_System
Short_Name: taxonsys
z3950 tag: 4028
Type: compound
Rule: Taxonomic_System =
1{Classification_System/Authority}n +
0{Identification_Reference}n +
(1{Identifier}n) +
Taxonomic_Procedures +
0{Taxonomic_Completeness}1 +
0{Vouchers}n
Parent: Taxonomy
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Documentation of taxonomic sources, procedures, and treatments.
Rationale:
The set of data elements contained within this compound element represent an
attempt to provide better documentation of taxonomic sources, procedures, and
treatments as strongly recommended in the American Institute of Biological
Sciences Review to the National Biological Service on the Content Standard for
Non-Geospatial Metadata Workshop, 1995.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Classification_System/Authority
Short_Name: classsys
z3950 tag: 4029
Type: compound
Rule: Classification_System/Authority =
Classification_System_Citation +
0{Classification_System_Modifications}1
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Information about the classification system or authority used.
Rationale:
Together, the classification system and any modifications made to it represent a
significant piece of information concerning the data being documented.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
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Extension_Information:
Name: Classification_System_Citation
Short_Name: classcit
z3950 tag: 4030
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Classification_System/Authority
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
A citation for the classification system or authority used, this might include
monographs (e.g., a regional flora) or on-line data sets (e.g., the USDA
PLANTS database), etc.
Rationale:
This data element defines the authority used for classifying. When appropriate,
the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
<URL:http://www.itis.usda.gov/itis/> should be used.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Classification_System_Modifications
Short_Name: classmod
z3950 tag: 4037
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Classification_System/Authority
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
A description of any modifications or exceptions made to the classification
system or authority used.
Rationale:
Many times a standard system is used, but exceptions are made for specific taxa
or groups, this element allows for these exceptions or modifications to be
described.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
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FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Identification_Reference
Short_Name: idref
z3950 tag: 4031
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information on any non-authoritative materials (e.g. field guides) useful for
reconstructing the actual identification process.
Rationale:
This information can be useful for someone who wishes to make use of a data
set, and perhaps expand on it, following similar procedures.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Identifier
Short_Name: ider
z3950 tag: 4032
Type: compound
Child: Contact_information
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
Information about the individual(s) responsible for the identification(s) of the
specimens or sightings, etc.
Rationale:
If there are any questions on the identification of specimens or field sightings,
this should provide some insight into the data creator.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
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Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Procedures
Short_Name: taxonpro
z3950 tag: 4035
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Description of the methods used for the taxonomic identification. Could
include specimen processing, comparison with museum materials, keys and key
characters, chemical or genetic analyses, etc.
Rationale:
In order to be able to make appropriate use of a biological data set, often it is
important to know not just who identified the individuals or specimens, but
what process they used to do so.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Completeness
Short_Name: taxoncom
z3950 tag: 4036
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information concerning the proportions and treatment of unidentified materials
(i.e. materials sent to experts, and not yet determined); estimates of the
importance, and identities of misidentifications, uncertain determinations,
synonyms or other incorrect usages; taxa not well treated or requiring further
work; and expertise of field workers.
Rationale:
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-24
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Vouchers
Short_Name: vouchers
z3950 tag: 4033
Type: compound
Rule: Vouchers =
Specimen +
Repository
Parent: Taxonomic_System
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information on the types of specimen, the repository, and the individuals who
identified the vouchers.
Rationale:
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Specimen
Short_Name: specimen
z3950 tag: 4038
Type: text
Domain:
"herbarium specimens" "blood samples" "photographs" "individuals"
free
text
Parent: Vouchers
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
A word or phrase describing the type of specimen collected (e.g. herbarium
specimens, blood samples, photographs, individuals, or batches).
Rationale:
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-25
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Repository
Short_Name: reposit
z3950 tag: 4034
Type: compound
Child: Contact_Information
Parent: Vouchers
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Information about the curator or contact person and/or agency responsible for
the specimens.
Rationale:
If, for any reason, the specimens should need to be referred to, information
about where they are being housed and who is responsible for them should be
kept along with the documentation of the data set. If they have not been
archived, this should be noted.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: General_Taxonomic_Coverage
Short_Name: taxongen
z3950 tag: 4105
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomy
Optionality: optional
Definition:
A description of the range of taxa addressed in the data set or collection. For
example, “all vascular plants were identified to family or species, mosses and
lichens were identified as moss or lichen.”
Rationale:
To provide the capability to document the taxa addressed in the data set or
collection via a free text description. This is especially important with data sets
or collections which contain examples of a many taxonomic levels.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-26
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxonomic_Classification
Short_Name: taxoncl
z3950 tag:
Type: compound
Rule: Taxonomic_Classification =
Taxon_Rank_Name +
Taxon_Rank_Value +
(0{Applicable_Common_Name}n) +
0{Taxonomic_Classification}n
Parent: Taxonomy
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Definition:
Information about the range of taxa addressed in the data set or collection. It is
recommended that one provide information starting from the taxonomic rank of
kingdom, to a level which reflects the data set or collection being documented.
The levels of Kingdom, Division/Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and
Species should be included as ranks as appropriate. For example, if the data set
deals with the species “red maple” or Acer rubrum var. rubrum, then the
contents might look like the following:
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
Applicable_Common_Name: plants
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Division
Taxon_Rank_Value: Magnoliaphyta
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Magnoliopsida
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Rosidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Sapindales
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Aceraceae
Applicable_Common_Name: maples
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Acer
Applicable_Common_Name: maples
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Acer rubrum var. rubrum
Applicable_Common_Name: red maple
1-27
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
If the data set pertains to many species, then the Taxonomic_Classification
structure can be built by adding additional families under the
Taxonomic_Classification rank of order.
If the taxon of interest is undefined at any taxonomic rank, omit that rank from
the structure. (One authority for this information is the Integrated Taxonomic
Information System (ITIS) located at:
”http://www.itis.usda.gov/plantproj/itis/”).
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa addressed in the data set
or collection. This can be accomplished using a hierarchical structure to
specify from Kingdom down to the appropriate taxonomic level.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxon_Rank_Name
Short_Name: taxonrn
z3950 tag:
Type: text
Domain:
“Kingdom” “Division” “Phylum” “Subphylum” “Superclass” “Class”
“Subclass” “Infraclass” “Superorder” “Order” “Suborder” “Infraorder”
“Superfamily” “Family” “Subfamily” “Tribe” “Subtribe” “Genus” “Species”
free text
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
The name of the taxonomic rank for which the Taxon_Rank_Value is provided.
See the example included in the definition of Taxonomic_Classification.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa addressed in the data set
or collection.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-28
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Taxon_Rank_Value
Short_Name: taxonrv
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
The name representing the taxonomic rank of the taxon being described. See
the example included in the definition of Taxonomic_Classification.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa addressed in the data set
or collection.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Applicable_Common_Name
Short_Name: common
z3950 tag: 4012
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
Optionality: optional
Definition:
Specification of applicable common names. These common names may be
general descriptions of a group of organisms if appropriate (e.g. insects,
vertebrate, grasses, waterfowl, vascular plants, etc.)
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa addressed in the data set
or collection.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-29
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Analytical_Tool
Short_Name: tool
z3950 tag: 4013
Type: compound
Rule: Analytical_Tool =
Analytical_Tool_Description +
Tool_Access_Information +
(Tool_Contact) +
(Tool_Citation)
Parent: Identification_Information
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Tools, models, or statistical procedures that the data set is intrinsically bound to
and are available for use in analyzing the data set. Examples include
reconstructions of phylogenies, population viability analyses, community
ordinations, most atmospheric and hydrological transport analyses, and
inferences on the effects of climate change on forest composition and
productivity. Enough information should be included such that a potential data
user can easily determine why they might wish to acquire the analytical tool,
and the methodology to acquire it.
Rationale:
Some biological data sets are intrinsically bound to models or statistical
procedures used to generate them. In these cases, a description of the analyses
and contact, citation, and access information for the tools used are needed to
properly interpret the data.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Analytical_Tool_Description
Short_Name: tooldesc
z3950 tag: 4014
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Description of the analytical tool, model, or statistical procedure.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-30
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Access_Information
Short_Name: toolacc
z3950 tag: 4015
Type: compound
Rule: Tool_Access_Information =
0{Online_Linkage}n +
Tool_Access_Instructions +
(Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System)
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Information on the steps required to access the tool.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Contact
Short_Name: toolcont
z3950 tag: 4016
Type: compound
Child: Contact_Information
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
The party from whom the tool, model, or statistical procedure may be obtained.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Citation
Short_Name: toolcite
z3950 tag: 4017
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Analytical_Tool
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
Citation information about the tool, model, or statistical procedure.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-31
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Access_Instructions
Short_Name: toolinst
z3950 tag: 4019
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Tool_Access_Information
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Instructions on the steps required to access the tool, model, or statistical
procedure.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System
Short_Name: toolcomp
z3950 tag: 4020
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Tool_Access_Information
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
The brand of computer and its operating system that the tool, model, or
statistical procedure requires.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-32
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology
Short_Name: method
z3950 tag: 4021
Type: compound
Rule: Methodology =
Methodology_Type +
(1{Methodology_Identifier}n) +
Methodology_Description +
0{Methodology_Citation}n
Parent: Lineage
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition:
Information about a single step of field and/or laboratory work.
Rationale:
This element represents a critical element of the documentation required to
interpret important biological data sets.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Type
Short_Name: methtype
z3950 tag: 4022
Type: text
Domain: "Field" "Lab" free text
Parent: Methodology
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
The type of methodology being documented, such as field or laboratory
methodology.
Rationale:
This element should set a basic definition for the type of methodology being
documented.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-33
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Identifier
Short_Name: methodid
z3950 tag: 4023
Type: compound
Rule: Methodology_Identifier =
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus +
1{Methodology_Keyword}n
Parent: Methodology
Optionality: Optional
Definition:
Keywords or phrases summarizing the field or laboratory methods used.
Rationale:
Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for all data
collection, for most classes of data, it should be possible to identify some
standard terms describing the methodology being documented. In some cases,
standardized references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus
Short_Name: methkt
z3950 tag: 4024
Type: text
Domain: "None" free text
Parent: Methodology_Identifier
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Reference to a formally registered thesaurus or a similar authoritative source of
methodology keywords.
Rationale:
Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for all data
collection, for most classes of data, it should be possible to identify some
standard terms describing the methodology being documented. In some cases,
standardized references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-34
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Keyword
Short_Name: methkey
z3950 tag: 4025
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Methodology_Identifier
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
The name of a method used in the field or laboratory work.
Rationale:
Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for all data
collection, for most classes of data, it should be possible to identify some
standard terms describing the methodology being documented. In some cases,
standardized references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Description
Short_Name: methdesc
z3950 tag: 4026
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Methodology
Optionality: Mandatory
Definition:
Equivalent to "Materials and Methods" in a journal article. Describe the
physical methods used to gather data, the experimental design, sample
frequency, treatments or strata, statistical and spatial design of the sampling,
and sample completeness, representativeness, and biases. For example, in a
bird survey, relevant elements would include the methods used to detect species
occurrences (casual sightings, transects, focal point surveys, vocalizations, mist
nets), whether or not evidence of breeding activity was required, descriptions of
the habitat strata in a stratified design, and known biases (e.g., non-territorial
birds were undersampled, and some juveniles could not be identified to
species.)
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-35
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Methodology_Citation
Short_Name: methcite
z3950 tag: 4027
Type: compound
Child: Citation_Information
Parent: Methodology
Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
Definition: Information referencing the methods used.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: ASCII_File_Structure
Short_Name: asciistr
Type: compound
Rule: ASCII_File_Structure =
0{Record_Delimiter}1 +
Number_Header_Lines +
(Description_of_Header_Content) +
Orientation +
Case_Sensitive +
0{Authentication}1 +
0{Quote_Character}1 +
1{Data_Field}n
Parent: Digital_Transfer_Information
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition: Information about the content and format of an ASCII data file.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the content and
format of an ASCII data file. This structure was created with the goal of
automatic machine processing of this information for file transfer, data loading,
and quality assurance.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-36
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Record_Delimiter
Short_Name: recdel
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: Mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The character(s) which indicate the end of a record.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Number_Header_Lines
Short_Name: numheadl
Type: Integer
Domain: Number_Header _Lines >= 0
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
The number of lines at the beginning of the file before the data content actually
begins.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-37
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Description_of_Header_Content
Short_Name: deschead
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: optional
Definition:
Description of the information content of the header lines.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Orientation
Short_Name: orienta
Type: text
Domain: “columnmajor” “rowmajor”
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Definition of the direction of information content as represented in the ASCII
file. Typical data sets are represented in column-major format, where each
attribute in the data set is represented as a column and each observation is a
row. In contrast, row-major data sets represent attributes as rows and
observations as columns. For example, if one has 3 observations (1,2,3) of two
attributes (A,B), in column-major format the first record of the datafile would
contain the first observation for both attributes (values A1,B1), but in
row-major format the first record would contain all of the observations for only
attribute A (values A1,A2,A3).
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-38
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Case_Sensitive
Short_Name: casesens
Type: text
Domain: “y” “Y” “n” “N”
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
If the content of the data set is encoded in case-sensitive ASCII (the capital and
small letters have meaning), then this element should contain “y” or “Y”,
otherwise this element should contain “n” or “N”.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Authentication
Short_Name: authent
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
Information allowing verification of file contents to ensure accurate
transmission of the file. This is generally a named checksum that uses a
standard algorithm or a cryptographic signature. For example, a MD5
checksum could be provided and, if it matches a MD5 checksum calculated for
the received file, one would conclude that the file is identical to the original.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-39
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Quote_Character
Short_Name: quotech
Type: text
Domain: “ “ ” “ ‘ ” “ ` ” free text
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
Character used to quote fields in the data representation so that the field
delimiter can be used as part of the field value. This character is typically a
single quote mark or double quote mark. For example, in a field representing a
person's name, one might use double quotes around the field (e.g., "Johnson,
M.") to indicate that the embedded comma in the text string is not a field
delimiter.
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field
Short_Name: datafiel
Type: compound
Rule: Data_Field =
Data_Field_Name +
0{Missing_Value_Code}1 +
[ Data_Field_Width_Delimiter |
Data_Field_Width ]
Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Information describing the individual data fields (this would be equivalent to
columns in most databases).
Rationale:
To provide accurate machine processable information for transfer of ASCII
files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-40
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field_Name
Short_Name: dfieldnm
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Data_Field
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Name of the data field. This name should be the same as an Attribute Label
documented in Section 5.1.2 Attribute (within Detailed Description which is
itself within Entity and Attribute Information). The definition, domain, units
of measure, and measurement resolution are all important pieces of information
for ASCII file use.
Rationale:
The definition, domain, units of measure, and measurement resolution are all
defined as part of 5.1.2 Attribute, thus should not be defined again. This
information should be entered, thus the name entered as the Attribute Label
should be referred to here, so the appropriate information can be correlated
with the fields of the ASCII data file.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Missing_Value_Code
Short_Name: missingv
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Data_Field
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The code which represents missing data.
Rationale:
In order to differentiate between missing data and null data, a code to indicate
that the data value is missing is often used. This code is required to make
effective and accurate use of ASCII data files.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-41
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field_Width_Delimiter
Short_Name: dfwidthd
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Data_Field
Definition:
The character which indicates the end of the data field contents.
Rationale:
To make effective and accurate use of ASCII data files. Although entire data
sets are generally characterized as fixed_width format or variable_width
format, this characterization is more accurately reflected at the field level, as
fixed_width fields may be mixed in the same data file with variable_width
fields.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
Extension_Information:
Name: Data_Field_Width
Short_Name: dfwidth
Type: integer
Domain: Data_Field_Width >=1
Parent: Data_Field
Definition:
The number of characters of the data field.
Rationale:
To make effective and accurate use of ASCII data files. Although entire data
sets are generally characterized as fixed_width format or variable_width
format, this characterization is more accurately reflected at the field level, as
fixed_width fields may be mixed in the same data file with variable_width
fields.
Source:
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological
Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group
1-42
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Beginning_Geologic_Age
Short_Name: beggeol
Type: Compound
Rule: Beginning_Geologic_Age =
Geologic_Age
Parent: Range_of_Dates/Times
Definition:
A name, code, or date for the beginning of an event or period in geologic time.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the geologic
dates relevant to a data set.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
Extension_Information:
Name: Ending_Geologic_Age
Short_Name: endgeol
Type: Compound
Rule: Ending_Geologic_Age =
Geologic_Age
Parent: Range_of_Dates/Times
Definition: A name, code, or date for the end of an event or period in geologic time.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the geologic
dates relevant to a data set.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
1-43
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age
Short_Name: geolage
Parent: Single_Date/Time
Parent: Beginning_Geologic_Age
Parent: Ending_Geologic_Age
Type: Compound
Rule: Geologic_Age =
Geologic_Time_Scale +
Geologic_Age_Estimate +
0{Geologic_Age_Uncertainty}1 +
0{Geologic_Age_Explanation}1 +
(1{Geologic_Citation}n)
Definition:
A name, code, or date describing an event or period in geologic time, expressed
either as an absolute date calculated using a named dating method, or as a
relative date that is drawn from stratigraphy or biostratigraphy.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to describe the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
Calendar dates as provided in the ISO 8601 dating system used in the standard
CSDGM are not adequate to describe geologic time periods. Absolute geologic
time is usually measured in “millions of years” before present, but may use
different units and relative base times. Relative geologic time is measured by
subdivisions of the earth’s geology in an order based upon relative age, most
commonly, vertical or stratigraphic position. The actual dating systems used in
geologic studies often tie relative times measured through stratigraphy or
biostratigraphy to a particular absolute time using radioisotope dating
techniques, among others. As these methods for absolute dating have
improved, the estimates of the dates for strata have changed, consequently, it
would be inaccurate to record absolute dates in situations where relative dates
were measured. This structure is provided as an optional alternative to the
standard calendar dates provided by ISO 8601.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
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FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Time_Scale
Short_Name:geolscal
Type: text
Domain:
"Absolute" "Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale” “International Geological Time
Scale" "Oxygen-Isotope" free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Name of a recognized geologic time scale. This includes “Absolute” as the
name of the time scale for measuring geologic dates before the present and
names of geologic dating systems that are arrangements of symbols or names in
order of relative geologic time.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the geologic
dates relevant to a data set.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
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FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age_Estimate
Short_Name: geolest
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory
Definition:
Either an absolute geologic date or a relative geologic age name describing an
event or period in geologic time based on the Geologic_Time_Scale. For
example, ”300 Ma” (300 million years before present) is a
Geologic_Age_Estimate based on the “Absolute” Geologic_Time_Scale,
“C28r” is a chron name from the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale, and
“Maastrichtian” and “Jurassic” are names from the International Geological
Time Scale. Since different relative geologic time scales are often not aligned,
multiple geologic dates may need to be specified. For example, the
Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale chron “C29r”, at the K/T boundary lies in
both the Maastrichtian and the Danian stages from the International Geological
Time Scale, thus if you were documenting this event using the International
Geological Time Scale, both “Maastrichtian” and “Danian” should be included
here.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the geologic
dates relevant to a data set.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
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FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age_Uncertainty
Short_Name:geolun
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The error estimate for the geologic time. This should include the units of
measure, a description of what the error estimate represents and how it was
calculated.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the geologic
dates relevant to a data set.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Age_Explanation
Short_Name:geolexpl
Type: text
Domain: free text
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: mandatory if applicable
Definition:
The name and/or description of the method used to calculate the
Geologic_Age_Estimate. Detailed information about the method may be
provided through references contained in the Geologic_Citation.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the geologic
dates relevant to a data set.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
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FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Extension_Information:
Name: Geologic_Citation
Short_Name: geolcit
Type: compound
Rule: Geologic_Citation =
Citation_Information
Parent: Geologic_Age
Optionality: optional
Definition:
Citation for works providing detailed information about any element of the
Geologic_Age. For example, a publication describing the methodology used for
carbon dating or describing the basic geologic time scale in more detail could
be cited here.
Rationale:
To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe the geologic
dates relevant to a data set.
Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, FGDC Biological Data Working Group, National
Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII)
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Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata 1998
Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
1.5
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
REFERENCES
American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1995, American Institute of Biological Sciences
Review to National Biological Service: Content Standard for Non-Geospatial Metadata
Workshop: unpublished document, pg. 115.
American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1999, The American Institute of Biological Sciences
Scientific Peer Advisory and Review Services 1999 Report on the draft “Biological Profile of the
Content Standard For Digital Geospatial Metadata”: unpublished report, pg. 23.
Federal Geographic Data Committee, 1998, Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
(revised June 1998) Federal Geographic Data Committee. Washington, D.C.
[http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/contstan.html] pg. 85.
National Biological Service, 1995, Content Standard for National Biological Information
Infrastructure Metadata: Denver Colorado, National Biological Service internal document.
[http://www.nbii.gov/current.status.html] pg. 84.
Schweitzer, Peter N. 1996, NBII Extension file for cns and mp programs - nbii.ext: Reston,
Virginia, USGS web based informal publication.
[http://geology.usgs.gov/tools/metadata/] 1+ web page.
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Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
1.6
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
INDEX TO EXTENDED AND MODIFIED ELEMENTS
Page
Altitude_Distance_Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-13, 1-18
Altitude_Maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13, 1-18
Altitude_Minimum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13, 1-18
Analytical_Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7, 1-13, 1-15, 1-30, 1-31
Analytical_Tool_Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-30
Applicable_Common_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-27, 1-29
ASCII_File_Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-16, 1-36, 1-37, 1-38, 1-39, 1-40
Authentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-39
Beginning_Geologic_Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-43, 1-44
Bounding_Altitudes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13, 1-18
Bounding_Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13, 1-18
Browse_Graphic_Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Case_Sensitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-39
Citation_Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8, 1-14, 1-15, 1-16, 1-22, 1-23, 1-31, 1-36, 1-48
Classification_System/Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-22
Classification_System_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-22
Classification_System_Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-22
Currentness_Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9, 1-53
Data_Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-40, 1-41, 1-42
Data_Field_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-40, 1-41
Data_Field_Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-40, 1-42
Data_Field_Width_Delimiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-40, 1-42
Description_of_Geographic_Extent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13, 1-17
Description_of_Header_Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-38
Digital_Transfer_Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-36
Ending_Geologic_Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-43, 1-44
Format_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10, 1-15
General_Taxonomic_Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-19, 1-26
Geologic_Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-43, 1-44, 1-45, 1-46, 1-47, 1-48
Geologic_Age_Estimate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-44, 1-46, 1-47
Geologic_Age_Explanation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-44, 1-47
Geologic_Age_Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-44, 1-47
Geologic_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-44, 1-47, 1-48
Geologic_Time_Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-44-46
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8, 1-12
Identification_Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7, 1-13, 1-19, 1-30
Identification_Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-23
Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-23
Keywords/Taxon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-19, 1-20
Lineage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-33
Logical_Consistency_Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Metadata_Standard_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-33, 1-34, 1-35, 1-36, 1-53
Methodology_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-33, 1-36
Methodology_Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-33, 1-35
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Page
Methodology_Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-33, 1-34, 1-35
Methodology_Keyword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-34, 1-35
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-34
Methodology_Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-33
Missing_Value_Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-40, 1-41
Number_Header_Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-37
Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-38
Quote_Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-40
Range_of_Dates/Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-43
Record_Delimiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-36, 1-37
Repository . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-25, 1-26
Single_Date/Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16, 1-44
Source_Currentness_Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10, 1-53
Spatial_Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7, 1-8, 1-13, 1-17
Specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-25
Taxon_Rank_Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-27, 1-28
Taxon_Rank_Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-27, 1-28, 1-29
Taxonomic_Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-19, 1-27, 1-28, 1-29
Taxonomic_Completeness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-24
Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-19, 1-20
Taxonomic_Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-19, 1-20
Taxonomic_Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-24
Taxonomic_System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-19, 1-21, 1-23, 1-24, 1-25
Taxonomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7, 1-13, 1-14, 1-19, 1-21, 1-26, 1-27, 1-54
Tool_Access_Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-30, 1-31, 1-32
Tool_Access_Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-31, 1-32
Tool_Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-30, 1-31
Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-31, 1-32
Tool_Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-30, 1-31
Type_of_Source_Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10, 1-53
Vouchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14, 1-21, 1-25, 1-26
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Part 1 Biological Data Profile, 1999
Appendix 1.A (informative) Glossary
1.7
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
APPENDIX 1.A (INFORMATIVE) GLOSSARY
animalia – (animals) Multicellular organisms possessing membrane-bound organelles and nucleus.
Animals are heterotrophs and most are motile. Most animals reproduce via sperm and egg cells.
Phylums within the animalia kingdom include porifera, cnidaria, platyhelminthes, nematoda,
mollusca, annelida, arthropoda, echinodermata, and chordata.
biological data – Any communication or representation of biologically related facts or information
collected for computation or analysis.
class – The primary subdivision of a taxonomic division or phylum, usually consisting of one or
more orders.
division-phylum – The primary subdivision of a taxonomic kingdom consisting of one or more
classes of organisms.
family – The major subdivision of a taxonomic order or suborder consisting of one or more genera.
fungi – (fungus) Organisms which are nonmotile, heterotrophic, with membrane-bounded
organelles and nucleus. Most fungi reproduce by means of spores, and are unable to perform
photosynthesis. The divisions with the fungi kingdom include mycophycota, zygomycota,
basidiomycota, ascomycota, and deuteromycota.
genus – The major subdivision of a taxonomic family or subfamily usually consisting of one or more
species.
kingdom – One of the taxonomic divisions of living organisms, includes animals (animalia), plants
(plantae), protists (protista), fungus (fungi), and (monera).
methodology – A set or system of methods, principles, and rules for a biological inquiry procedure.
This includes laboratory, field, data processing and statistical methodologies.
monera – (bacteria, blue-green algae) Organisms lacking a cell nuclei. The divisions within the
monera kingdom include archaebacteria and eubacteria.
observed – To make a methodical or scientific record of something. Under “Currentness Reference”
and “Source Currentness Reference” “observed” is used if you observed the time of the data
collection. Under “Type of Source Media” “visually observed or measured” is used if the source of
the data was generated from methodical or scientific observations or measurements.
order – The major subdivision of a taxonomic class or subclass consisting of one or more taxonomic
families.
plantae – (plants) Multicellular organisms that perform photosynthesis to obtain their nutrition.
Plants all possess chloroplasts and have distinct cell walls made of cellulose. The divisions with the
plantae kingdom include bryophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms, and sphenophyta.
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Appendix 1.A (informative) Glossary
FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
protista – (amoeba, euglena, paramecium, diatom, slime molds) The kingdom of protists consists
of generally unicellular organisms possessing membrane-bound organelles and nucleus. The
divisions within the protista kingdom include autotrophs and heterotrophs.
species – The major subdivision of a genus or subgenus, regarded as the basic category of biological
classification, composed of related individuals that resemble one another and are able to breed among
themselves, but are generally not able to breed with members of another species.
taxa – Taxonomic categories, such as species and genus.
taxonomy – The science or technique of describing, identifying, naming, and classifying living
organisms.
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